Job description
The New Mexico Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute (FWRI) at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) seeks a full-time, 12-month Research Associate, who is responsible for developing an applied and evaluation research agenda that supports the FWRI’s Civic and Community Action Programs in Collaboration, Education and Outreach. The Research Associate will work with FWRI staff and program managers to coordinate applied research that advances the goals of their programs in building resilient ecosystems, local economies and communities. The overall goal of this position is to advance applied research on social and economic aspects of forest and watershed restoration.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinate applied, participatory and evaluation research projects and serve as a resource on research to FWRI staff
- Develop a research agenda for applied and evaluation research focusing on collaboration, outreach and education on forest and watershed restoration
- Work with FWRI program managers and staff to conduct research on topics and research questions of interest
- Produce technical and policy reports, research manuscripts, white papers, posters, and other documents on FWRI research projects
- Present research findings at academic and professional conferences
- Seek external funding to support applied research in collaboration, outreach and education, including funding to support graduate assistants and staff
- Interact with the NMHU Institutional Review Board (IRB) and follow all research ethics protocols and directions from professional organizations and the NMHU IRB
- Interact with the NMHU Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) regarding research funding
- Collaborate with researchers at SWERI partner institutes, the NMHU Department of Forestry and other New Mexico universities
- Supervise graduate students and temporary staff research assistants
- Conduct independent research on the research associate’s areas of interest and expertise
- Participate actively in the FWRI’s Leadership Team and interact with directors, program managers and coordinators to advance the mission of the FWRI
- Participate in FWRI staff retreats and SWERI leadership retreats
- Serve on FWRI committees as appropriate
- Contribute to the FWRI’s annual work plan and annual report
- The opportunity to teach one course per year in the NMHU Forestry Department may exist (optional)
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the FWRI Director
Candidates must demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Education: Doctoral degree or ABD with a timeline to complete a doctorate, in a social science discipline, education, or in natural resources management with a focus on human dimensions, or a closely related field
- Experience: Research experience in collaborative natural resources management and restoration, and/or education related to natural resources
- Experience: Experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities described above
Highly desirable candidates can demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Education: Earned Ph.D. degree in a social science discipline, education, or in natural resources management with a focus on human dimensions, or a closely related field
- Experience: Teaching experience in subjects related to natural resource restoration
- Experience: Additional practical experience related to the duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and abilities for this position
- Experience: Participation in collaborative natural resources management and/or experience in outreach to natural resources workers and landowners
- Experience: Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Experience: Knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful, but not required
The successful applicant will be required to comply with the following stipulations:
- Must possess and maintain a valid state-issued Driver’s License (New Mexico DL preferred)
- Must successfully complete courses in human subjects research ethics and safety offered by the CITI Program and maintain an updated certificate of completion
- Must be willing to occasionally work weekends, evenings, and odd hours, as required
- Must be willing to occasionally travel, at times to remote locations or out-of-state
- Continued employment is contingent on grant funding
- Knowledge of and ability to design and carry out studies using applied, participatory action, community-based, evaluation and education research approaches and protocols
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques for applied research
- Knowledge of research ethics and guidelines for ethical human subjects research and ability to implement these in research projects
- Knowledge of university administrative structures and ability to work productively with various offices on a university campus
- Skill at writing manuscripts and reports aimed at various audiences (e.g., researchers, policymakers, practitioners, general public)
- Skill at speaking to diverse audiences (e.g., researchers, policymakers, practitioners, agency personnel, media, stakeholders) about research and research findings
- Ability to conduct collaborative research with FWRI staff, professional researchers and practitioners
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
- Knowledge, familiarity and experience in New Mexico, including knowledge of New Mexico’s natural resources, land management agencies and other natural resource institutions
- Ability to work productively, professionally and collegially with a diverse set of colleagues representing an array of disciplines
- Sitting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frequently
- Standing: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frequently
- Walking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frequently
- Bending: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
- Squatting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seldom
- Climbing: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
- Kneeling: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seldom
- Lifting up to 20 pounds: . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
- Lifting greater than 20 pounds: . . . . . . Seldom/Never
Work is performed in an office on the campus of a regional public university, and at field sites in the State of New Mexico. Some travel, including occasional out-of-state travel, may be necessary. The possibility for hybrid work combining office and telework exists, if appropriate.
The mission of the FWRI is to promote practices that advance adaptive management, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve ecosystem function. The Research Associate complements FWRI expertise in monitoring, geospatial information systems, collaboration, outreach, education, and ecological restoration. The FWRI is one of three Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes (SWERI), with partner institutes in Arizona and Colorado, and collaborates in the Forest Restoration Triangle (FORT) with the NMHU Forestry Department, the only SAF-accredited forestry department in New Mexico, and with the New Mexico State University John T. Harrington Lab in Mora, NM.
The FWRI is located on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University in historic Las Vegas, NM. NMHU, a Hispanic Serving Institution, offers a comprehensive education to a diverse student body, and NMHU faculty are actively involved in research, service and outreach. Las Vegas is located at the foot of the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and offers small-town charm, a healthy environment and abundant year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby national forests, state parks, and wildlife refuges. Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, is an easy 60-minute drive to the west, and Taos and Albuquerque can be reached in less than two hours.
New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.
For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu
Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW
For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu
Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AS688P
Open Date
01/18/2023
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants must submit (i) a letter of interest, detailing compliance with minimum and preferred job requirements and describing work experience and suitability for this position; (ii) a CV or resume; (iii) the names and contact information for three (3) professional references; (iv) unofficial transcripts for all higher education completed or in progress. In addition, applicants must complete the NMHU Employment Application.
Candidates who are invited for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts. References will be contacted in conjunction with interviews.
Candidates who are invited for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts. References will be contacted in conjunction with interviews.
To apply, go to https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/ and click on the “Staff” link, then on the link for Research Associate at the FWRI. Submit all materials through this website.
For disabled access or services, call (505) 454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu.
New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.
Visit this link for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
NMHU
IS AN
EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY
EMPLOYER
Quick Link
https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/8138
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